Infection Prevention System with Bedside Caddy

ABSTRACT

A bed-side system for preventing infection that uses a flush and swab caddy attached to an IV pole or other bed-side equipment. By providing convenient and secure storage for pre-filled syringes, alcohol swabs, and other medical supplies, it can improve individual patient care. In an embodiment, the caddy attaches to the IV pole and comprises a locking compartment for pre-filled syringes and an open tray for alcohol swabs and other medical supplies. The syringes may be filled with saline, heparin, or another solution.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/630,743 filed Sep. 28, 2012 which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/542806, filed Oct. 4, 2011,the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is in medical and nursing practices andequipment for direct patient care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every year patients acquire catheter-related blood stream infections(CRBSI) in the health care setting. These infections are an issue thatincrease health care costs and negatively affect patient health and canalso lead to death. Each health care acquired CRBSI is estimated to costanywhere from $25,000 to $55,000 on average to treat. As of August 2008,insurance policies no longer pay the costs associated with theseinfections. Instead, the added costs are incurred by the health carefacility or institution. Patients who acquire a CRBSI have an increasedrisk of death. Systems and methods for reducing infections are needed,and are required for compliance with accrediting agencies.

Proper care and maintenance of Vascular Access Devices (VAD) can reducethe incidence of CRBSI. Having medical supplies close at hand to thepatient can aid clinical personnel in providing this proper care andmaintenance. Two clinical tasks associated with proper care andmaintenance are the cleansing of the VAD injection cap hub prior to allmedication administration, and the assessment and flushing of the VAD's.Regular flushes with solutions such as saline, heparin, or othersolutions can help prevent central line infections and othercomplications. Such flushes are important for keeping the IVlines/Vascular Access Devices (VAD) patent by proper assessment andcare. FDA regulations require that saline and other solutions (typicallyin pre-filled syringes) must be locked unless in use; this practice isalso a safety measure. But, this regulation poses a problem for busyhealth care providers. The pre-filled syringes are often locked up in acentral area outside the patient rooms, not next to the patient or evenin the same room as the patient. In addition, when a patient is takenout of their room to another department for testing, the necessarysupplies for VAD assessment and care are not available. If a patient hasa life threatening event in another department such as radiology, andthey need IV medications immediately in the case of cardiac arrest, theyhave to wait until the supplies or the crash cart arrives. Thisincreases mortality. The same problem arises with cleansing swabs usedto clean the end caps of VAD devices. These swabs are often kept in a“clean stock room” outside the patient's room, or if they are stocked inthe patient's room, the supply of swabs often runs out.

To reduce interruptions to patient care that would be caused by clinicalstaff frequently leaving the room to obtain needed medical supplies,nurses and other health care workers may carry saline flush syringesaround in their pocket or they may leave one or more pre-filled syringesin a patient's room unsecured. In addition, because a convenient supplyof fresh alcohol swabs for cleaning the end caps of the IV line is oftennot available, swabs may be re-used, or cleansing of the end caps maynot be done at all, which leads to infections for patients. Suchpractices are violations of regulations established by groups such asthe Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control(CDC), and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of HealthcareOrganizations (JCAHO).

A bed-side system for infection prevention that provides convenientaccess to pre-filled medication syringes, alcohol swabs, and othermedical supplies would improve health care for patients and help lowerhealth care costs related to infection. A bed-side caddy that canprovide secured access to regulated medicinal supplies and open accessto other non-regulated supplies is not found in the prior art and wouldbe useful in a bed-side system for infection prevention. By having thebed-side caddy with the locking compartment housing the necessaryflushes, clinicians will be more compliant which in turn will create anenvironment of proactive patient assessment and care.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a bed-side system for preventing infection thatuses a flush and swab caddy attached to an IV pole or other bed-sideequipment. By providing convenient and secure storage for pre-filledsyringes, alcohol swabs, and other medical supplies following FDA andregulating agency guidelines, it can improve individual patient care. Inan embodiment, the caddy attaches to the IV pole and comprises a lockingcompartment for pre-filled syringes and an open tray for cleansing swabsto clean the VAD hub as well as other medical supplies. The syringes maybe filled with saline, heparin, or other medications prescribed to thepatient by their MD which are best kept near the patient.

If the medication is not a ‘stock’ flush used per facility policy orprotocol, it would need to come from the pharmacy and labeled perpatient. It could still be stored within the locking compartment of thecaddy on the patient's individual IV pole. One such medication would beNarcan for patients on IV Narcotics. It must be with the patient at alltimes in case the patient receives an accidental overdose—to reverse thelife threatening sedative effects and save the patient's life. Since itis a prescription medication, it is required by FDA to be lockedup—often times, it is rubber banded to the patient's IV pole, a practicethat is not compliant with FDA guidelines. The bed-side caddy wouldassist the facility with compliance and patient safety.

In an embodiment, the invention comprises a caddy comprising anon-permeable plastic locking box which attaches to an IV pole orbedside bar in a medical setting using a clamp. The caddy comprises acompartment that locks to store IV flush syringes and medications, andthe caddy also comprises an open tray to hold swabs for IV line hub orlumen cleansing/disinfection. This invention enables health care workersto have necessary equipment at hand to facilitate best patient care andsave health care workers time. This invention will also decrease therisk of catheter related blood stream infections by facilitating bestpatient care in regards to infusion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention showing anattachment to an IV pole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a bed-side system for preventing infection thatuses a flush and swab caddy attached to an IV pole or other bed-sideequipment. By providing convenient and secure storage for pre-filledsyringes, medications, prescription items, hub cleansing swabs or swabcaps, and other medical supplies, it can improve individual patientcare. This invention enables health care workers to have necessaryequipment at hand to facilitate best patient care and save health careworkers time. This invention will also decrease the risk of catheterrelated blood stream infections and other associated infections byfacilitating best practice for patient care in regards to infusion. Itprovides, at arm's length, items required to perform safe and proficientpatient care while fulfilling regulatory requirements. In addition, theinvention assists health care personnel with time management andimproves their job satisfaction and performance.

In an embodiment, the caddy attaches to the IV pole and comprises astorage container comprising a locking compartment for pre-filledsyringes, an open tray for hub cleansing swabs and other medicalsupplies, and a clamp configured to attach the storage container to theIV pole. The syringes may be filled with saline, heparin, or otherpatient prescribed medications/solutions required by the FDA to besecured when not in use.

In an embodiment, the invention comprises a caddy comprising anon-permeable plastic locking box which attaches to an IV pole orbedside bar in a medical setting using a clamp. The caddy comprises alocking compartment that locks to store IV flush syringes and alsocomprises an open tray to hold swabs for IV line hub or lumen cleansing.

In an embodiment, the caddy comprises a storage container comprising alocking compartment for FDA -required medications to be stored, a secondcompartment to store items used to assure compliance for cleansing theend caps of VAD's, and a clamp configured to attach to the IV poledirectly beside the patient. It will go wherever the patient goes, soitems are at hand for best and expedient patient care while fulfillingagency requirements. In an embodiment, the locking compartment holdsprefilled syringes containing solutions used for flushing IV lines andother equipment. These solutions are considered medications by the FDAand must be locked unless in use. In at least one embodiment, thepre-filled syringes contain a solution comprising saline. In at leastone embodiment, the pre-filled syringes contain a solution comprisingheparin. In at least one embodiment, the pre-filled syringes contain asolution comprising narcan.

In at least one embodiment, the invention is a bedside caddy for storingmedical supplies comprising a storage container and a clamp configuredto attach the storage container to an IV pole wherein the storagecontainer comprises a locking compartment and an open tray. In anembodiment, the open tray contains one or more cleansing swabs ofalcohol. In an embodiment, the open try contains one or more cleansingswabs of chlorhexidine. In an embodiment, the open tray contains one ormore cleansing swabs of povidine/iodine. In an embodiment, the open traycontains one or more cleansing swab caps.

In at least one embodiment, the invention is a bedside system forinfection prevention comprising a caddy comprising a storage containerand a clamp configured to attach the storage container to an IV polewherein the storage container comprises a locking compartment and anopen tray and wherein the locking compartment contains pre-filledsyringes and the open tray contains cleansing swabs.

In at least one embodiment, the caddy comprises a tray on the front ofthe caddy to store the swabs/devices used to cleanse the VAD (VascularAccess Device) hub prior to all infusions and flushes as recommended bythe following organizations:

-   -   JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare        Organizations)    -   CDC (Centers for Disease Control)    -   OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)    -   INS (Infusion Nurses Society)    -   ONS (Oncology Nursing Society)    -   AVA (Association for Vascular Access)    -   NKF (National Kidney Foundation)

The items stored can also be for other purposes such as other healthcare related conditions. They could be for enteral patients or even thelabor force where some items must be locked per regulatory guidelines.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the caddy (10) that wouldattach to an IV pole or other piece of bedside equipment (not shown).Prefilled syringes containing the IV flushing solutions may be stored inthe locking compartment 40. The locking device 50 may be chosen from awide variety of locks such as a numeric or a keyed lock, depending uponneeds and wants of the consumer. Cleansing swabs such as alcohol orchlorhexidine swabs to cleanse the hubs on the end caps of VAD's may bestored in the open tray 70 attached at the front bottom of the caddy.After unlocking the locking device, the pre-filled syringes can beaccessed by lifting the lid 80 which is attached to the lockingcompartment by the lid hinges 90. The hinges and lid can be attached indifferent ways to the locking compartment to allow the lid to open indifferent directions (upwards, downwards, side-to-side, radially, etc.).For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the hinges are attached to the lidand locking compartment to allow the lid to open in an upward fashion.The lid may comprise a knob or handle for easier lifting, or a groove ortab. The caddy attaches to the IV pole using a clamp device (15) whichenables the IV Pole flush and swab caddy to attach to an IV pole or anypole to make items convenient for staff to administer best patient care.The caddy can be attached to an IV pole or any other pole by looseningthe C-clamp device and then placing the C-clamp around the pole and thentightening the screw to the pole creating a tension fitting to hold thecaddy in place.

FIG. 2 shows the side view of the caddy 11 showing how the clamp 12attaches to any pole or other piece of bedside equipment 13. It couldalso attach to other non-round objects as necessary. Optional lockingdevices 14 can be used to prevent theft or unauthorized removal of thecaddy from the IV pole or other piece of bedside equipment. Pre-filledsyringes 20 are stored in the locking compartment. Cleansing swabs 60and other medical supplies are stored in the open tray.

The clamp can be a C-clamp, ring clamp, or any other suitable clampdesign for attaching the caddy to an IV pole or other piece of bedsideequipment. Suitable clamps and other devices for attaching the caddy toan IV pole or other piece of bedside equipment can be found in U.S.Patent Application #2011002195, filed Jul. 13, 2010, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

The location of the open tray relative to the locking compartment canvary depending on the design preferred for patient care or facilitypreference. In at least one embodiment, the entire open tray is locatedbelow the locking compartment. In an embodiment, the opening of the opentray is below the opening of the locking compartment. In at least oneembodiment, the open tray is located above the locking compartment. Inat least one embodiment, the open tray is located adjacent to thelocking compartment. In at least one embodiment, the caddy comprises aplurality of locking compartments. In at least one embodiment, the caddycomprises a plurality of open trays.

The location of the locking device and the locking device mechanism canbe varied. In at least one embodiment, the locking device is on thefront of the caddy. In at least one embodiment, the locking device is onthe lid of the locking compartment. In at least one embodiment, thelocking device is on the side of the caddy closest to the patient. In atleast one embodiment, the locking device is on the side of the caddyfurthest from the patient. The locking device can be a mechanical lock.In at least one embodiment, the locking device uses a combination lock.In at least one embodiment the locking device uses a keyed lock. In atleast one embodiment, the locking device uses an electronic lock. Thesedevices and mechanisms can also be used for the optional locking deviceshown in FIG. 2.

The caddy can be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing method.Individual plastic pieces can be machined and then adhered togetherusing adhesives or welding methods. The compartments can also bemachined from a single block of plastic and the plastic lid with hingescan be attached. One or more components can be injection-molded. In atleast one embodiment, the caddy comprises components of the clamp andcomponents of the locking compartment that are injection molded as asingle piece.

The caddy can be manufactured into different shapes depending on thespace and design needs for the patient care environment as well as themanufacturing process used. The possible shapes of the caddy can includerectangular, square, oval, cylindrical, curvilinear, or racetrack. In atleast one embodiment, the caddy can be manufactured in other colors,clear or opaque, depending upon facility/consumer preference

In at least one embodiment, the caddy comprises components made of anon-permeable plastic wherein the components of the caddy are adhered,attached, or bonded together in a permanent fashion to allow integrityand safety. These components can include the plastic pieces that formthe outer walls of the caddy as well as the walls of the lockingcompartments and open trays. The locking device and the clamp device canbe attached, adhered, or bonded or otherwise secured to the plasticcomponents of the caddy.

The locking compartment can be sized to fit a single day to multipledays of required stock supply for the flushes, depending on how oftenthe patient's Vascular Access Device is flushed, or other facilityrequirements. In at least one embodiment, the locking compartment has alength of about 6 inches, a height of about 6 inches, and a depth ofabout 3 inches. In at least one embodiment, the locking compartment hasa length between 3 and 10 inches, a height between 3 and 10 inches, anda depth between 1 and 6 inches. In at least one embodiment, the lockingcompartment is sized to contain no less than five syringes prefilledwith either saline or heparin solutions. In at least one embodiment, thelocking compartment is sized to contain no more than ten syringesprefilled with either saline or heparin solutions. In at least oneembodiment the volume of the syringes is no less than 5 cubiccentimeters, preferably no less than 10 cubic centimeters. In at leastone embodiment, the syringe volume is between 5 and 20 cubiccentimeters, preferably between 10 and 15 cubic centimeters, mostpreferably between 10 and 12 cubic centimeters. In at least oneembodiment, the syringes contain no less than 5 cubic centimeters ofsolution. In at least one embodiment the syringes contain no less than10 cubic centimeters of solution. In at least one embodiment, thesyringes contain no more than 20 cubic centimeters of solution. Theconcentration of the heparin solution can vary, depending upon patientneeds. In at least one embodiment, the concentration of the heparinsolution is between 10 u/mL and 1000 u/mL. In at least one embodiment,the heparin solution is stored in a vial in the locking compartment. Inat least one embodiment, the locking compartment is stocked daily withpre-filled syringes.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking compartment stores saline, but inother embodiments, the locking compartment could store any medicationthat the patient needs. Medications such as saline and heparin would notneed to be labeled with the patient's name as they are considered astock item, but still require secure storage when not in use. Othermedications such as Narcan, may be labeled per patient in case IV poleswere switched, or if the IV pole was not with the patient. Othermedications that could be stored in the locking compartment includeprescription topical or enteral medications for patients using enteralfeedings. The policy has usually been determined by facility staff.Saline and heparin are usually ordered per protocol/standing order forVascular Access Devices.

The open tray can be sized to fit a single day to multiple days ofrequired stock supply for the cleaning swabs and other supplies neededfor the flushes, depending on how often the patient's Vascular AccessDevice is flushed, or other facility requirements. In at least oneembodiment, the open tray has a length of about 6 inches, a height ofabout 3 inches, and a depth of about 3 inches. In at least oneembodiment, the open tray has a length between 3 and 10 inches, a heightbetween 1 and 10 inches, and a depth between 1 and 6 inches. In at leastone embodiment, the open tray contains items used for cleansing the endof the injection cap/hub. Such items include alcohol preps,chlorhexidine preps, swab caps. In at least one embodiment, other itemsincluding tape, pens, or labels are stored in the open tray. In at leastone embodiment, the open tray is sized to contain no less than 5cleaning swabs. In at least one embodiment, the open tray is sized tocontain no more than ten cleaning swabs. In at least one embodiment, theopen tray is sized to hold no more than 20 cleaning swabs. In at leastone embodiment, the open tray is stocked daily with a supply of cleaningswabs.

The invention can also provide a bedside system for infection preventioncomprising a vascular access device and a caddy wherein the caddycomprises a storage container and a clamp configured to attach thestorage container to an IV pole wherein the storage container comprisesa locking compartment and an open tray and wherein the lockingcompartment contains pre-filled syringes comprising saline, heparin, orother medication solutions and the open tray contains cleansing swabs orother medical supplies. A reminder message or instructions can also bedisplayed on the caddy. In at least one embodiment, at least one surfaceof the open tray is used to display a reminder message or instruction.An example of such a reminder includes, “Scrub the Hub for 10-15seconds” or simply “Scrub the Hub”. In at least one embodiment, thebedside caddy can have a reminder etched onto the front of the open traystating “scrub the hub for 15 seconds every time” to assist withclinician compliance and patient education. In an embodiment, themessage is displayed on the locking compartment of the caddy.

The message can be displayed in different ways, such as etching themessage into the surface or applying a label with the message to thesurface. In an embodiment, the message is on a card that is attached tothe caddy using a clip or other methods of attachment. Other reminders,instructions, and other messages can be displayed on the caddy asfacilities require or recommend.

In a preferred embodiment, the caddy comprises a non-permeable plasticthat can be cleansed per facility/customer infection control policies,more preferably the caddy comprises a clear or non-opaque plastic.

Thermoplastic polymers that can be used as the materials for thisinvention include polyolefins, e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene,polybutylene, and copolymers thereof, polytetrafluoroethylene,polyesters, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl acetate,polyvinyl chloride acetate, polyvinyl butyral, acrylic resins, e.g.polyacrylate, and polymethylacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate,polyamides, namely nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethanes, copolymers of any of theabove materials, e.g. ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers,ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, styrene-butadiene block copolymers,Kraton rubbers and the like.

Polymer materials that can be used in the polymeric compositions of theinvention include both addition polymer and condensation polymermaterials such as polyolefin, polyacetal, polyamide, polyester,cellulose ether and ester, polyalkylene sulfide, polyarylene oxide,polysulfone, modified polysulfone polymers and mixtures thereof.Preferred materials that fall within these generic classes includepolyethylene, polypropylene, poly(vinylchloride), polymethylmethacrylate(and other acrylic resins), polystyrene, and copolymers thereof(including ABA type block copolymers), poly(vinylidene fluoride),poly(vinylidene chloride), polyvinylalcohol in various degrees ofhydrolysis (87% to 99.5%) in crosslinked and non-crosslinked forms.

Block copolymers are also useful in the process of this invention. Oneexample is a ABA (styrene-EP-styrene) or AB (styrene-EP) polymer.Examples of such block copolymers are Kraton® type ofstyrene-b-butadiene and styrene-b-hydrogenated butadiene(ethylenepropylene), Pebax® type of e-caprolactam-b-ethylene oxide, Sympatex®polyester-b-ethylene oxide and polyurethanes of ethylene oxide andisocyanates.

In a patient care setting, the caddy can be used by specified personnel.Specified personnel can be given or allowed to set the code on thelocking device, or given a key, depending on the locking mechanism. Byunlocking the device, the lid can be opened, and items such as theprefilled syringes which can be locked for safety and regulatorystandards can be placed inside the locking compartment and thenre-locked. Specified staff can access those items as necessary.Specified personnel can stock the cleansing swabs or other medicalsupplies in the open front tray for easy access to facilitate patientcare. The open tray can be used such that any item that is required tobe locked up for safety or per regulatory requirements is not placedtherein. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) sheets can be available forall items for patient safety. In at least one embodiment, the caddyincludes a compartment for storing MSDS sheets.

In at least one embodiment, the following steps are used with thissystem:

-   -   a. Attach the caddy to the patient's IV pole or other bedside        equipment    -   b. Stock the pre-filled syringes containing the infusion        medications in the locking compartment (s) (saline, heparin,        narcan, etc.)    -   c. Close the lid to locking compartment(s) and lock the        compartment(s).    -   d. Stock the alcohol preps, chlorhexidine preps or swab caps in        the open tray(s)    -   e. To access the patient's Vascular access device (PIV, Midline,        PICC, CVC, Dialysis CVC, PAC, etc.):        -   i. Unlock the locking device to open the locking            compartment, and obtain pre-filled syringes containing the            infusion medication(s)        -   ii. Take cleansing swabs for cleansing the end cap of the            patients IV access device from the trays        -   iii. Re-lock the locking compartment.        -   iv. Perform patient care per policy            -   1. Do not re-enter locking compartment with soiled hands                or place soiled or used equipment back into caddy.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims canbe combined with each other in other manners within the scope of theinvention such that the invention should be recognized as alsospecifically directed to other embodiments having any other possiblecombination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, forpurposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows shouldbe taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from allprior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependentclaim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within thejurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should bealternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). Injurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, thefollowing dependent claims should each be also taken as alternativelywritten in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependencyfrom a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claimlisted in such dependent claim below.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

I claim 1) A bedside caddy for storing medical supplies comprising astorage container and a clamp configured to attach the storage containerto an IV pole wherein the storage container comprises a lockingcompartment and an open tray wherein the locking compartment is sized tocontain no more than ten syringes pre-filled with solution, and the opentray is sized to contain no more than twenty cleaning swabs. 2) Thebedside caddy of claim 1 wherein the locking compartment has a lengthbetween three inches and ten inches, a height between three inches andten inches, and a depth between one inch and six inches 3) The bedsidecaddy of claim 1 wherein each syringe contains is pre-filled with nomore than 20 cubic centimeters of solution. 4) The bedside caddy ofclaim 1 wherein the solution comprises saline. 5) The bedside caddy ofclaim 1 wherein the solution comprises a medication. 6) The bedsidecaddy of claim 1 wherein the clamp is a C-clamp. 7) The bedside caddy ofclaim 1 wherein the open tray has a length between three inches and teninches, a height between three inches and ten inches, and a depthbetween one inch and six inches. 8) The bedside caddy of claim 1 whereinthe cleaning swabs comprise alcohol swabs. 9) The bedside caddy of claim1 wherein the locking compartment is sized to contain no less than fivesyringes pre-filled with solution. 10) The bedside caddy of claim 1wherein at least one surface of the open tray comprises a printedmessage. 11) The bedside caddy of claim 1 wherein the storage containerfurther comprises a keyed, combination, or electronic lock secured tothe locking compartment. 12) The bedside caddy of claim 1 furthercomprising a second locking compartment wherein the second lockingcompartment is sized to contain no less than five syringes pre-filledwith solution. 13) The bedside caddy of claim 1 further comprising asecond open tray wherein the second open tray is configured to storeother supplies. 14) A bedside system for infection prevention comprisinga vascular access device and a caddy wherein the caddy comprises astorage container and a clamp configured to attach the storage containerto an IV pole wherein the storage container comprises a lockingcompartment and an open tray and wherein the locking compartmentcontains syringes pre-filled with solution and the open tray containscleansing swabs. 15) The bedside system of claim 14 wherein at least onesurface of the open tray comprises a printed message. 16) The bedsidesystem of claim 14 wherein the solution comprises a medication. 17) Thebedside system of claim 14 wherein the solution comprises saline. 18)The bedside system of claim 14 wherein the locking compartment stores nomore than five syringes pre-filled with solution. 19) The bedside systemof claim 14 wherein the open tray contains additional medical supplies.20) The bedside system of claim 14 wherein the locking compartmentfurther comprises a keyed, combination, or electronic lock.